JA Resorts & Hotels, the UAE-based hospitality group, is gearing up for the grand opening of its first overseas property in the third quarter of 2013.

Enchanted Island Resort, a private ten-villa luxury beach retreat in the Seychelles is due to open its exclusive resort facilities for guests in autumn.

The resort features just ten private villas on an island in the middle of a National Marine Park and can be booked on an individual or exclusive basis.

The five-star luxury boutique island resort is home to eight one-bedroom Private Pool Villas and two two-bedroom Enchanted Signature Villas, designed to reflect the island’s traditional Creole-Seychellois architecture.

Each villa features a private infinity pool, walkway to the beach, deck, outdoor rain shower, French bathtub, four-poster king size bed, LED screen with satellite channels, DVD player, iPod docking station and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.

Bounty Restaurant overlooks the resort’s main swimming pool and caters for guests with contemporary international and Creole cuisine, while Castaway Bar offers a variety of cocktails and aperitifs.

In-villa dining and private gourmet experiences on the beach are also on offer. Guests may enjoy complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and kayaks.

David Thomson, Chief Operating Officer of JA Resorts & Hotels, said: “We are delighted to open this stunning resort and it makes for an impressive portfolio addition, our first outside Dubai.”

“While it has been a delicate and extensive process to get to this stage, we were keen to assist in creating a very special product and disturb as little of the original island flora as possible,” he added.

Serena Spa manages the spa that overlooks the Indian Ocean from its elevated position on the island. Along with an ‘Adam & Eve’ couple treatment suite, two other individual treatment pavilions each have their own private steam room, shower and terrace.

Serena Spa treatments, yoga, access to a gymnasium and other holistic therapies are offered.

The island is owned by Enchanted Ventures and it is possible to exclusively rent the whole island for up to 24 guests. In this instance it is also possible to accommodate children below 12 years, which is normally not permitted.

Eric Laurent, General Manager, says: “Enchanted Island Resort offers an exemplary experience of genuine island hospitality that our guests will remember long after they have departed.”

Enchanted Island Resort is located on a five-acre tropical island in the middle of a designated National Marine Park, close to neighbouring islands Sainte Anne, Moyenne, Long and Cerf.

After a ten-minute drive from the Seychelles International Airport, a 15-minute motorboat ride takes guests from the main island Mahé, to the resort’s private jetty. The Seychelles Islands is a favoured destination for honeymooners and nature lovers due to its tropical beaches, transparent turquoise waters and vibrant marine life.

JA Resorts & Hotels manage an inspiring portfolio of properties across Dubai including the newly extended, all suite Palm Tree Court, the award-winning Jebel Ali Hotel and the deluxe hotel apartments of Oasis Beach Tower.

The company will also welcome a four-star beachfront property to the portfolio as Ocean View Hotel prepares to open.